When we started over in the Arab world, we’d made so many trips to so many stores. We had a saying in our building, “You can only make so many decisions in a day” and then you just have to go home and rest until tomorrow.

This especially hits home when I think about people who relocate in the worst of situations. We were in the best of situations with our gainful employment, neighbors, and speaking the primary language of commerce.

What about people who are forcefully deported from the only country they know? What about people running from war?

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3 thoughts on “What it’s like to start over in a new country”

We can relate to nearly every single issue you have living there. Almost everything you have mentioned has happened to us here. I REALLY understand your frustrations, anxiety, disappointments, and stress. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but things will get better! I will be praying for you all and even though it stinks living in Korea you made me think of the very few blessings that the army has given us…commissary, PX, gas station(when we finally got a car) and a few fast food places. I will try to remember you guys when I feel like griping about Korea now. 🙂 Hang in there!

I accidentally bought “Egyptian rice” and the package says “enjoy your sweet fruity rice”. If you over cook it, it sticks together and tastes like grits with sugar. If you just under cook it, though, it goes great with spicy Indian food. LOL.

No closets. Not even one. We have purchased wardrobes, dressers, etc to hold stuff.

Our stove (known as a “cooker”) and washer/dryer in one both had actual wires that had to be connected to actual live wires behind a faceplate in their spot. wowzers.

everything else has electrical outlets.

Yes, we have stores that sell food along with everything else. Nothing is labeled “Kroger”. It’s hard to tell the difference at first between LuLu (think walmart) or Pan Emirates (furniture) or Al Safa (think Sack n Save) or Jackies (Best buy). Where are they? INSIDE SHOPPING MALLS. Instead of Dillards, you get a Target, essentially.